The history of this unusual but at the same time fascinating place, could be summarized in two simple but also accurate words: renew or die.
So that you understand it better and begin to put yourself in a situation, I will tell you that it is located in the heart of the Barrio de los Austrias, next to the popular Plaza Mayor in Madrid, and to be exact, in front of the darker side of it -the one that It faces north - formed by the no less popular Arco de Cuchilleros.
If we are to follow the suggestions of that phlegmatic British writer, who was Chesterton, it would be convenient to say that the origins of the San Miguel Market date back, at least, to the year 1916 - at that time, Europe was experiencing the most intense and bloody moments of the First World War - when it was inaugurated as a new market that supplied all kinds of food to this part of the city, where until then some shops and especially street vendors proliferated.
To centralize it and also for health reasons, one of the oldest traditional markets in Madrid was built, in which, until relatively recent times, it was endowed with its typical fishmongers, butchers and greengrocers, where the Madrilenians stocked up with the most traditional products. or less fresh that daily arrived in the city from all over Spain.
The situation was reversed in relatively recent times, when in 1999, faced with what seemed an irreversible deterioration of its facilities, the Community of Madrid, helped by community funds, proceeded to completely reform it, preserving its original exterior design. , but reconditioning the interior and giving it a distinctly modern and functional perspective, as we see it today.
The original idea was that it would continue to be the traditional market for a lifetime, but the problem got in the way of official plans and, moreover, in the plans of retailers, who could not face the tremendous competition from large supermarkets. , detail by which, ten years later, in May 2009, a group of merchants, under the name of El Gastrónomo de San Miguel (Saint Michael’s Gastronomer), launched one of the most interesting projects of all those in the Community of Madrid: making from this place one of the most relevant gastronomic meeting places in the country and possibly best known, also, worldwide.
Indeed, although it still preserves some of the traditional stalls -fishing, greengrocers and even a delicatessen- Saint Michael’s Market, could be described as a true emporium of restoration, a first-rate socio-cultural element and an essential place for all those who They want to know the delights of a city like Madrid, from another point of view that is not devoid of attractiveness and interest.
For this is taken as a reference, the presence, in elegant and comfortable positions, the presence, not only of the most varied and spectacular of traditional Spanish cuisine but also, the presence of numerous and well-known European restaurant brands, which make the place an ideal place to share a multicultural experience, such as food and drink.
In short: knowing a place, such as the Saint Michael’s Market, will not only leave anyone indifferent, but will also provide one of the most pleasant and recommended experiences of all those that this cosmopolitan city can offer, which I am proud to represent.
See you soon boys. And as I always say: see you at the Saint Michael’s Market.
NOTICE: Both the text and the accompanying photographs are my exclusive intellectual property and therefore are subject to my Copyright.
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Wow! St. Michaels is such a gastronomic delight, isn't it? What an amazing place of epic proportions. I wonder if the investors who bought this in 2003 had the vision that it is today? I can see that it has many tapas stalls and people meeting for tapas and drinks there. It has continued to be a place to meet. '
It is the place! Not only was it upgraded to be functional, but, it is beautiful as well. It is popular with tourists, but, the locals as well. That says a lot about it. When first reading about it years ago, I didn't know that this covered market was made of steel! This is a true treasure of Madrid and you did such a wonderful job covering it, giving us all a look at this impressive Mercado. love the concept of #MarketFriday and how our cultures differ and then again, how much they are alike. Rituals, Festivals, food, architecture, even your language/languages. Along with the fact of what is normal for where you live? these are unwritten rules that rule our social behaviors. I see this as allowing for increased tolerance between cultures and nations, and opportunities to come together on an even playing ground. A strong culture can be beneficial to a country as it promotes unity, especially during a crisis, peaceful debate, and open dialogue.
Fridays are all about the #MarketFriday Challenge! Looking to take part in it? Here is how:
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It has always been a very popular place, very frequented, both by locals and visitors, and a meeting and reference point, where to exchange fraternity and live an environment that can be described as multicultural, so I agree with your comment. Unfortunately, it was very affected by the Covid-19 issue and was closed for more than a year. Now, for the summer, it is when it has reopened its doors, but of course, it has the inconvenience of a limited capacity. Therefore, until the situation improves, it will be difficult to see it filled to the brim again. It is not the only place in Madrid with these characteristics. In the Chueca neighborhood, there is another similar one: the San Antón Market. Thank you very much for your comment and a warm greeting.
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Is it a food market where there are restaurants or kind f bazaar? I have seen a similar place in Europe, there were many sort of things you would find a bazaar.
You mean the writer G.K. Chesterton?
More or less, yes. A place specially designed to seduce the palate with the most typical and gratifying of traditional cuisine, both Spanish and from other parts of the world. Indeed: G.K. Chesterton.
I read a part of Father Brown.
What a lovely marketplace, @juancar347!
An interesting and pleasant place, which is also part of the attractions of Madrid. Greetings
I haven't been to Madrid or any part of Spain. Maybe someday!
For sure yes. Who knows, maybe one day we will see each other in this market in San Miguel.
Maybe, who knows!!!
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